As a defenseman for nine full seasons of NHL play, he earned various honours such as the NHL Rookie of the Year (1966-67), the Art Ross Trophy (1969 and again in 1971) the Conn Smythe Trophy for outstanding player in the playoffs (1969-70 and again in 1971-71) and was the first player to take the League's MVP award more than twice consecutively, winning the Hart Trophy three straight times from 1969-1970 through 1971-1972.

At age 18 Bobby Orr broke onto the hockey scene as a leading rookie for the Boston Bruins. With his aggressive defense and unchallenged skill, he helped the team win two Stanley Cups before moving onto the Chicago Blackhawks in 1976. Unfortunately, this would be his last full season on the ice, as Orr's ongoing battle with an injured knee finally forced him to retire on November 8, 1978.

In 1996, Bobby Orr's winning goal during the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals was awarded the MasterCard Greatest Moment in NHL history by a panel of hockey media in 1996.In 657 scheduled games, Orr scored 270 goals and collected 645 assists — an outstanding record that has earned him a place as one of the best in hockey history.